Nobody has to tell you that single parenthood is a lot of work—you live that truth every day. Keeping track of everybody’s schedules, making healthy meals, finding time for fun with your kids, and maybe even spending some time on your own is just in another day’s work. You figure out ways to fulfill all of your household’s needs without having someone else around to help pull the load—basically, you are some kind of Super Parent.

As difficult as it is to be a single parent, with the right kind of planning and organisation, you can make it work. Here’s how.  

Finding Time for It All

As a single parent, your time is a precious resource that must be treated in accordance with its value. To make sure you have enough time, you have to keep your routine and home organized. And with each additional child you have, that organization becomes more and more important. Here are some simple ways to cut down on time wasted:  

• Reduce clutter in your house and only keep what your family needs. Don’t even keep things that “might” be useful in some hypothetical situation in the future. Only keep what is used regularly and assign a space for it in the house. Make sure your children know where each item goes so when they move it, they know where to put it back. This will keep your home tidy and reduce stress.
  
• Meal prep isn’t just for fitness freaks. It can be a handy tool to get through the week while providing your children with fresh and delicious meals. Plan your week’s menu over the weekend and base meals around ingredients you already have in your refrigerator so you save money and don’t waste food.
• Don’t let the idea of getting your family into a routine scare you. Think of it as a time-saving tool. Kids actually do best when there is an established routine in the house. It gives them a feeling of security when they know what is coming next. 

Budgeting and Money Management

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it can buy goods and services that make life a lot easier. While living within a budget helps teach your children the value of a dollar, you are only human and most likely want to provide everything you possibly can for them. Strike a balance with smart money management that allows you to spend it on the things that matter. Here are some tips:

• Repeat after me: A budget is your friend. You can plan your finances by the week, month, or even the whole year with a little bit of flexibility. In doing so, you can actively put aside some savings for that dream family vacation or your kids’ higher education.
  
• Look for the best deals on groceries by checking coupons, buying in bulk, and comparing food prices at the store.
  
• As mentioned above, meal prep will help you save money by cutting down on the amount of food you waste. You also save money by cooking in general. Not sure what to make? Keep ingredients for a couple of tasty but budget-friendly meals you can turn to when you are too busy to think.
  
• Shop secondhand for clothing. Your kids grow out of everything so quickly, anyway. Plus, you will be helping reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact. 
  

Being a single parent is no easy task. It takes dedication and organisation to run a household by yourself. Time is your most valuable resource. Save time by reducing clutter, preparing meals ahead of time, and establishing a routine for the whole family. If there’s not enough money to do the fun things, set up a budget that allows you to squirrel away funds for the future. Cut down on groceries by bargain shopping and save money by cooking at home. Finally, shop secondhand for kids’ clothing. It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Guest author, 

Daniel Sherwin
Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At Dad Solo , he aims to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.